Read Online The Viking's Witch by Kelli Wilkins - Free Book Online Page B

to sell her? If he did, there was no telling what would happen to her. Being sold at a public auction would be a fate worse than death. Perhaps if she acted sweet, she could make Rothgar change his mind.
    “Pray do not sell me. I’ll be good to you,” she said, raising herself on her toes to kiss his cheek. “I promise to share me favors with you soon, but have patience. I need time to grow comfortable with you, being such a big, strapping man and all.”
    Rothgar pushed her away. “You think I shall trust you, wench? You put my own dagger to my ribs. I’m wise to your trickery.” He shoved her to the floor and yanked the door open.
    “Remain here if you know what’s good for you.”

    Rothgar kicked three chairs aside as he stormed through the main room of the gathering hall. Sig and Jurgen stared at him with their mouths hanging open.
    He ran his hands through his hair and let out a long breath. “I taught her a lesson.” He glanced over his shoulder.
    Odaria lay on the floor sobbing and clutching her ripped chemise.
    That wicked Pict didn’t know how lucky she was that he’d contained his anger. In the past, he had killed men for far less than what she had done to him. Humiliating him in front of Karnik’s men had nearly driven him over the edge of reason. His heart pounded in his chest like a drum, and he balled his wide hands into fists.
    “Might we have our turns now?” Jurgen asked.
    He spun around and knocked Jurgen to the floor with one punch. “There’s your answer.” He glared at the other men in the room. “Anyone else wish to make a claim on her?”
    Odaria’s sobs grew louder, and he glanced into the cookroom. The strong and forceful woman he’d encountered last night was gone. Odaria made a pathetic sight, huddled over and crying into her hands. A pang of remorse sliced through him like a sword. By Odin’s mercy, what had he done? He wasn’t an animal like Karnik’s men. He didn’t use violence on women.
    He marched to the main door. He had to leave, now. If he stayed here another moment, he’d go to Odaria’s side and try to soothe her—or beat out his frustration on Jurgen’s head. Either way, he felt trapped.
    “I’m going to talk with Karnik about finding Orvind. If anyone touches that girl while I’m gone—”
    “We won’t,” Sig said, stepping away from him. “She’s all yours.”
    “And she stays mine.”
    He stormed out of the gathering hall and marched to the center of the tiny village. The cool morning air cleared his head, and he started to think rationally.
    What was happening to him? He had no intention of harming Odaria. All he meant to do was frighten her into obeying him. He’d only kissed her to give himself a thrill, but the situation had gotten out of control.
    As he walked over a hill, he spotted Karnik talking to a group of six men. He squared his shoulders and forced himself to focus on the problem at hand. Orvind was missing, and he had to find him. His troubles with Odaria would have to wait.
    Karnik broke away from the group and approached him. “How was the girl?” he asked, grinning.
    He rolled his eyes. Why was everyone so concerned about him bedding Odaria? Did they all wish for a turn? Or did they secretly know he was previously incapable of lovemaking and wish to torment him?
    “She says the man in charge here is called Brennan. He will know of Orvind. Find Brennan, and bring him to me for questioning.”
    “As you wish. What of the others in the nets? Shall we bring them down as well?”
    “Only for food and water. Keep them swinging until I’ve talked to Brennan. I will reason with him. The sooner he gives us Orvind, the sooner his people will be set free.” He scratched his beard and looked at Karnik. For a man who loved nothing better than a bloody battle, he seemed very interested in the welfare of the villagers. Karnik’s sudden concern for the Picts aroused his suspicions.
    “Has something happened to them?”
    Karnik’s